Patent Application
20150136189
The subject matter of the present disclosure relates generally to a spray arm assembly for a dishwashing appliance and, more particularly, to a sliding spray arm assembly.
Dishwashing appliances generally include a tub defining a wash chamber or compartment wherein one or more rack assemblies, into which various articles may be loaded for cleaning, are positioned. Each rack may include features such as, e.g., tines that hold and orient the articles to receive sprays of wash and rinse fluids during the cleaning process. The articles to be cleaned may include a variety of dishes, cooking utensils, silverware, and other items.
A dishwashing appliance is also typically provided with one or more spray assemblies that can apply or direct wash fluid towards articles disposed within the rack assemblies in order to clean such articles. The spray assemblies can include a lower spray assembly mounted to the tub at a bottom of the wash compartment, a mid-level spray arm assembly mounted to an upper rack assembly, and a top spray assembly mounted to the tub at a top of the wash compartment.
Conventionally, such spray assemblies rotate relative to the wash chamber. More specifically, the spray assemblies typically include a one or more orifices or nozzles through which a fluid flows under pressure to provide a spray onto the articles during a wash or rinse cycle. The orientation of the nozzles combined with the action and reaction forces of the exiting fluid causes the spray arms of the spray assembly to rotate 360 degrees relative to the wash chamber so long as a sufficient amount of fluid under pressure is supplied to the spray arms. The rotation of the spray arms helps improve coverage of the fluid over the articles in the rack assemblies.
Depending upon e.g., the orientation and shape of articles placed in the rack assemblies, the fluid provided by such conventional rotating spray arms may not be able to impact all surfaces of the articles. As such, the effectiveness of the cleaning process can be impacted depending upon additional factors such as e.g., the level of debris including food particles present on the articles and the identity of such debris.
Accordingly, a spray arm assembly for a dishwashing appliance that can provide improved spraying of fluid onto articles in the wash chamber during the cleaning process would be useful.
The present invention provides a dishwashing appliance having a spray arm assembly with one or more sliding spray arms. More particularly, the spray arms can slide linearly, back and forth, along either a transverse or lateral direction of a wash chamber of the appliance. The spray arms are precluded from rotating relative to the wash chamber. A variety of mechanisms are described for providing such linear, sliding movement through the wash chamber. Improved spraying and, therefore, cleaning of articles in the dishwasher can be achieved. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.
In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a dishwasher appliance that includes a cabinet having a wash chamber. The wash chamber defines lateral, transverse, and vertical directions and is configured for receipt of articles for washing. A spray arm assembly is located in the wash chamber. The spray arm assembly is configured for applying fluid onto articles in the wash chamber.
The spray arm assembly includes a main fluid supply for providing fluid into the wash chamber for washing and rinsing. A spray arm is configured for sliding movement through the wash chamber along either the lateral or transverse direction. The spray arm is precluded from rotating relative to the wash chamber. The spray arm contains a plurality of orifices for directing fluid onto articles in the wash chamber. A fluid supply conduit has a first end and a second end. The first end is rotatably attached to the spray arm such that fluid supply conduit can rotate relative to the spray arm. The second end is attached to the main fluid supply and is configured to receive fluid from the main fluid supply. The fluid supply conduit is configured to provide fluid from the main fluid supply to the spray arm for spraying through the plurality of orifices.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:
In the figures, dashed lines are used to help illustrate movement of the spray arm assembly. The use of the same reference numerals in different figures generally indicates the same or similar features.
Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
Dishwasher appliance 100 and wash chamber 106 define a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T. As may be seen in
Slide assemblies 124 are mounted on opposing tub side walls 160, 162 to support and provide for movement for upper rack 130. Lower guides 126 are all positioned in opposing manner of the sides of 160, 162 of chamber 106 and provide a ridge or shelf for roller assemblies 136 so as to support and provide for movement of lower rack 132. Racks 130 and 132 are configured for receipt of articles for cleaning by one or more wash and rinse cycles of appliance 100. Each of the upper and lower racks 130, 132 is fabricated into lattice structures including a plurality of elongated members 134 and 135 that extend in lateral L, transverse T, and/or vertical V directions. Each rack 130, 132 is adapted for movement between an extended loading position (not shown) in which the rack is substantially positioned outside the wash chamber 106, and a retracted position (shown in
Dishwashing appliance 100 is further equipped with a controller 116 to regulate operation of dishwashing appliance 100. For example, a user can select operating cycles for appliance 100 using controls 151 on user interface panel 121. Controller 116 may include a memory and microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a cleaning cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Controller 116 may include multiple such memory and/or processing devices. In the exemplary embodiment shown in
It should be appreciated that the disclosure is not limited to any particular style, model, or configuration of dishwasher. The exemplary embodiment depicted in
As will be further described herein, dishwashing appliance 100 is equipped with a spray arm assembly 200 configured for applying a fluid F to articles placed into the wash chamber. Only portions of spray arm assembly 200 are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2-with various exemplary embodiments of spray arm assembly 200 and their components shown in
In each exemplary embodiment depicted, spray arm 202 is configured for linear, sliding movement through wash chamber 106 along either i) the lateral direction L back and forth between first side 114 and second side 115 (
For each exemplary embodiment of spray arm assembly 200, spray arms 202 move or slide linearly and are precluded from rotating relative to the wash chamber 106. More particularly, the longitudinal axis LA (
For each exemplary embodiment, different patterns may be employed for the linear, sliding movement of spray arms 202. For example, spray arms 202 could move completely over their slide path from side 114 to side 115 or from front 118 to back 119 at a constant speed. Alternatively, spray arms 202 could be caused to slide more slowly over certain portions of racks 130 and 132 where e.g., more heavily soiled articles are expected and then slide relatively faster over other portions. By way of further example, spray arms 202 might repeat a portion (e.g., 25 percent) of their slide path over heavily soiled articles before travelling the full slide path between sides 114 to 115, or front 118 to back 119. Other patterns or cycles may be used as well. As will now be described, a variety of different mechanisms may be used to provide for the linear, sliding movement of non-rotating spray arms 202.
Referring now to
For this exemplary embodiment, main fluid supply 212 extends vertically from sump portion 108 along rear wall 164 and is attached thereto by a plurality of holders or brackets 214. Main fluid supply 212 is rotatable relative to wall 164. As such, main fluid supply 212 can rotate as spray arm 202 slides back and forth. Main fluid supply 212 is in fluid communication with pump 138 through a conduit 216. Accordingly, the second end 210 of the fluid supply conduit 206 receives fluid from the main fluid supply 212 for creating a spray T through the plurality of nozzles or orifices 204 along sprays arms 202. A flow F of pressurized fluid is provided to main fluid supply 212 from pump 138 through conduit 216.
For each spray arm 202, a support bar 222 has a first end 224 that is rotatably attached to spray arm 202 meaning that support bar 222 can rotate relative to the spray arm 202 as it slides back and forth along lateral direction L. First end 224 is received within an opening 228 in spray arm 202. A second end 226 is rotatably attached at the rear wall 164 of wash chamber 106. For this exemplary embodiment, second end 226 is received into an opening 230 in bracket 214. As such, support bar 222 moves with spray arm 202 as it slides back and forth while also precluding spray arm 202 from rotating relative to wash chamber 106.
A motor 218 is connected at a top end 220 of main fluid supply 212. Motor 218 is configured for rotating spray arm assembly 200 back and forth as indicated by arrow S.
For this exemplary embodiment, a pair of switches 232, 234 are provided for delimiting the movement provided by motor 218. Switch 232 is located along opposing wall 160 while switch 234 is located along opposing wall 162. Each switch 232 and 234 is placed at location along the wall where a spray arm 202 will make contact with a respective switch 232 or 234. Switches 232 and 234 are in communication with controller 116. As such, the activation of either switch 232 or 234 by contact with spray arm 202 sends a signal to controller 116. Controller 116, which is also in communication with motor 218, can then cause motor 218 to reverse direction. Other patterns for the sliding movement of spray arms 202 may also be used. In addition, other configurations or methods may also be employed to control the movement of spray arm assembly 200.
Referring now to
For this exemplary embodiment, main fluid supply 212 extends vertically from sump portion 108 along rear wall 164 and can be e.g., attached thereto by a plurality of holders or brackets (not shown). Main fluid supply 212 is rotatable relative to wall 164. As such, main fluid supply 212 can rotate as spray arm 202 slides back and forth along transverse direction T. Main fluid supply 212 is in fluid communication with pump 138 through a conduit 216. Accordingly, the second end 210 of the fluid supply conduit 206 receives fluid from the main fluid supply 212 for creating a spray T through the plurality of nozzles or orifices 204 along spray arms 202. A flow F of pressurized fluid is provided to main fluid supply 212 from pump 138 through conduit 216.
For each spray arm 202, a support guide 242 extends along the transverse direction T from the rear wall 164 of the wash chamber 106. As shown, a distal end 252 is attached to rear wall 164. A threaded, rotatable shaft 244 extends in parallel to each support guide 242. Each spray arm 202 includes a first aperture 246 through which each support guide 242 extends. Spray arm 202 is slidable along support guide 242 while support guide 242 is fixed in position so as to prevent the rotation of spray arm 202 relative to wash chamber 106. Each spray arm 202 also includes a second aperture 248 that defines threads configured for complementary engagement with threads 250 on rotatable shaft 244. As shaft 244 is rotated, this complementary engagement of threads causes spray arms 202 to slide along the transverse direction either towards front 119 or back 120 of wash chamber 106 depending upon the direction of rotation of shaft 244.
A motor 218 is provided for causing shaft 244 to rotate either clockwise or counter-clockwise so as to move spray arms 202 back and forth along transverse direction T. Motor 218 is connected with each of the threaded, rotatable shafts 244 by way of a belt drive system 254 as best shown in
For this exemplary embodiment, a switch 268 is provided for delimiting the movement provided by motor 218. Switch 268 is located along rear wall 164 and is placed at a location along the wall 164 where a spray arm 202 will make contact with switch 268. Switch 268 is in communication with controller 116. As such, the activation of switch 268 by contact with spray arm 202 sends a signal to controller 116. Controller 116, which is also in communication with motor 218, can cause motor 218 to reverse direction and operate for a period of time sufficient to translate spray arms 202 from back 119 to front 118. Motor 218 can then reverse direction to slide spray arms 202 (arrow S) towards back 119 until switch 268 is activated and then the cycle can be repeated. Other patterns of sliding movement for spray arms 202 may be used as well. Also, other configurations or methods may also be employed to control the movement of spray arm assembly 200.
Referring now to
For this exemplary embodiment, main fluid supply 212 extends vertically from sump portion 108 along an opposing side wall 162 and is attached thereto by e.g., a plurality of holders or brackets (not shown). Main fluid supply 212 is rotatable relative to wall 162. As such, main fluid supply 212 can rotate as spray arm 202 slides back and forth along transverse direction T. Main fluid supply 212 is in fluid communication with pump 138 through a conduit 216. Accordingly, the second end 210 of the fluid supply conduit 206 receives fluid from the main fluid supply 212 for creating a spray T through the plurality of nozzles or orifices 204 along sprays arms 202. A flow F of pressurized fluid is provided to main fluid supply 212 from pump 138 through conduit 216.
For each spray arm 202, a support guide 270 extends along a transverse direction T from rear wall 162. Support guide 270 is configured as a rod 270 having a distal end 272 attached or embedded in rear wall 162. Each spray arm 202 includes an aperture 274 through which support guide 270 extends. Spray arm 202 is slidable along support guide 270. At the same time, support guide 270 prevents each spray arm 202 from rotating relative to wash chamber 106 as the spray arms 202 slide along transverse direction T.
A motor 218 is connected at a top end 220 of main fluid supply 212. Motor 218 is configured for rotating spray arm assembly 200 back and forth so that spray arms 202 slide along transverse direction T as indicated by arrow S.
For this exemplary embodiment, a switch 276 is provided for delimiting the movement provided by motor 218. Switch 276 is located along rear wall 164 and is placed at location along the wall where a spray arm 202 will make contact with switch 276. Controller 116 is communication with motor 218 and switch 276. As such, the activation of switch 276 by contact with spray arm 202 sends a signal to controller 116. Controller 116, which is also in communication with motor 218, can cause motor 218 to reverse direction and operate for a period of time sufficient to slide spray arms 202 from back 119 to front 118 (arrow SF). Motor 218 can then reverse direction to slide spray arms 202 (arrow SB) towards back 119 until switch 276 is activated and then the cycle can be repeated. Other patterns of sliding movement for spray arms 202 may be used as well. Also, other configurations or methods may also be employed to control the movement of spray arm assembly 200.
Referring now to
For this exemplary embodiment, main fluid supply 212 extends vertically from sump portion 108 along rear wall 164. Main fluid supply 212 is rotatable or pivotable relative to wall 164. As such, main fluid supply 212 can pivot or rotate as spray arm 202 slides back and forth. Main fluid supply 212 is in fluid communication with pump 138 through a conduit 216. Accordingly, the second end 210 of the fluid supply conduit 206 receives fluid from the main fluid supply 212 for creating a spray T through the plurality of nozzles or orifices 204 along sprays arms 202. A flow F of pressurized fluid is provided to main fluid supply 212 from pump 138 through conduit 216.
Spray arms 202 are connected to a belt 292 driven by a pair of motors 294, 296. More particularly, vertical riser 290 includes a leg 302 connected with belt 292. Motors 294, 296 are configured for rotating causing belt 292 to move selectively along the directions of arrows U and D so as to slide spray arms 202 back and forth along lateral direction L. Belt 292 passes through wash chamber 106 through openings 300 in opposing side walls 160 and 162. Covers 298 are provided for belt 292 on each side of chamber 106 (
As shown in
In each of the depicted exemplary embodiments, spray arms 202 slide linearly as described above. Using the teachings disclosed herein, one of skill in the art will understand that a dishwashing appliance can also be equipped with a combination of one or more sliding spray arms of the present invention as well as a one or more rotating spray arms. For example, the mid-level spray arm positioned between rack 130 and rack 132 may be configured as a rotating spray arm while one or both of the upper and lower spray arms may be equipped as a sliding spray arm 202. Alternatively, the mid-level spray arm assembly may be equipped as a sliding spray arm 202 while one or both of the upper and lower spray arms are equipped as rotating spray arms. Other combinations of rotating and sliding spray arms may be used as well within the spirit and scope of the claims that follow.
This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.
